Dive Site Ratings

.This rating group is intended as a guide only. Conditions vary daily and divers should always seek updated local advice and exercise prudent dive planning.

Site Ratings

Site Rating Depth Range Notes

Terrigal Haven ■ Green (★■■■■) 0–15 m Calm bay; training & snorkelling; rich nursery life.

Skillion Cave ■ Blue (★★★■■) 18–22 m Cavern dive; surge at entry/exit.

Two Poles ■ Blue (★★★■■) 14–18 m Fans, reef fish; avoid swell.

3 Mile Reef ■ Blue (★★★■■) 15–25 m Wall & ledges; boat dive.

The Pinnacle ■ Black (★★★★■) 18–29 m Exposed offshore; currents possible.

Boat Trailer Reef ■ Blue (★★★■■) 24 - 28m Reef/wreck mix; accessible by boat.

Fifeshire Reef ■ Blue (★★★■■) 16 m Excellent macro life; good for photos.

Foggy Cave ■ Black (★★★★■) 35–40 m Grey nurse sharks; depth planning required.

SS Kiama ■ Red (★★★★★) 45–46 m Deep wreck; technical dive.

SS Galava ■ Red (★★★★★) 51 m Technical profile; advanced trimix recommended.

HMAS Adelaide Closed 26–38 m Currently closed due to storm damage.

Special note: ex-HMAS Adelaide (Avoca) — Closed to diving

Following major storm damage to the artificial reef in 2024—including the detachment and collapse of the aluminium superstructure—the site was closed (mooring buoys removed) for public safety. A NSW Crown Lands structural report (updated 2025) confirms significant deterioration; further storms in Jan 2025 likely caused additional movement. 
Do not dive this site until official re-opening.

When open in the future, sections historically ranged from intermediate to advanced/technical depending on depth and penetration, but that guidance is superseded by the current closure.

Seasonal Conditions

• Summer: 22–25 °C water, lower vis due to plankton, pelagics active.

• Autumn: Best visibility (10–20 m offshore), Grey nurse sharks return.

• Winter: 16–18 °C water, clear vis, whale migration.

• Spring: Variable swell, peak nudibranch activity.

Safety & Equipment Notes

1. ■ Always match diver experience to site rating.• 
2. ■ SMB, basic exposure gear;
3. ■ DSMB & signalling device;
4. ■ Redundant lights/cutting tools;
5. ■ Twinset/CCR, staged deco kit.•
6. ■ Prefer slack high tide for shore dives like Terrigal Haven.
7. ■ After heavy rain, expect reduced nearshore visibility.

This Atlas is intended as a guide only. Conditions vary daily and divers should always seek updated local advice and exercise prudent dive planning.

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